Zambia is another of Africa’s great wildlife destinations and shares the mighty Zambezi River and the magnificent Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe.
Located north of Zimbabwe and covering an area of 752,614 sq.kms, Zambia has an average altitude of about 1,300 metres above sea level giving it a gentle climate. It is a country with vast lakes and wetlands, a multitude of waterfalls and some large, long rivers that include the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa. With a population of 17 million, Zambia’s people are warm and welcoming and comprise 72 different ethnic groups.
The Victoria Falls, located just outside the town of Livingstone, attracts a constant stream of visitors who stand in awe of this most incredible natural spectacle and enjoy a wide range of adventure and activities on offer. Livingstone also offers a variety of wonderful accommodation and restaurants and has colourful markets.
Lusaka is the capital of Zambia and though not a tourist destination in itself, serves as the hub between the various game parks.
Although Victoria Falls is the most visited destination in Zambia, it is the game parks of South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue and Liuwa Plains that make Zambia one of the top wildlife destinations in Africa.
South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s prime wildlife destination and is also where walking safaris originated. Within all these parks you will find excellent safari camps and lodges and very experienced guides and staff that together offer exceptional safari experiences.
Almost a third of Zambia’s landmass comprises national parks and game reserves and the tourism sector value conservation very highly.
Experiences
Lodge Safaris
Apart from the luxury of staying in a lodge, the spectacular location and setting of most lodges in Zambia add greatly to your safari experience. Lodges include luxury tented camps and bush camps that make you feel like you are on safari but with all the added creature comforts and tantalizing food.
The highlight of a lodge safari experience is the thrill of open vehicle game drives with a potential surprise around every corner.
Gameviewing
Explore the different habitats on an Open Safari Vehicle in search of wildlife and birds. Most of us have an undying fascination of large cats like lion and leopard as well as the big game species such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a variety of antelope. But don’t ignore the smaller animals and the unbelievably diverse birdlife whose antics and calls create a special atmosphere in the bush.
Your guide has the ability to make your wildife experience rewarding, observing every sign that may lead you to that elusive predator or special sighting. Knowledge and experience coupled with an engaging spirit and passion for the bush will rub off on you and add that extra thrill. A guide’s job is to entertain his guests and keep them on their seats. The level of guiding in Zambia is high and most guides have spent a large part of their lives in the bush.
A day on safari normally starts with a very early wake up call followed by coffee/tea and a snack. Then hop onto your open vehicle and set off on a game drive lasting 3 to 4 hours. It is customary to stop at a scenic spot enroute for another drink and snack and absorb the wonderful bush atmosphere. Then back to your camp or lodge for breakfast or brunch to share your experiences and feast on good memories and great photos.
Night drives offer you the possibility of seeing nocturnal animals that are not visible during the day as well as those animals that are active at night such as most predators.
Walking Safaris
A walking safari is the ultimate bush experience, allowing you to enter the space of wild animals, see their tracks and signs and feel close to nature. It does not always allow for good sightings of wildlife as their sharp senses will often perceive your presence before you spot them and cause them to take flight, But a good guide who knows his territory and notes the wind direction may bring you within a reasonable distance to observe wildlife and birds.
You will also learn more about the smaller animals, trees and ecology of the area as well as the cultural use of plants and how African people survive in the bush.
16 Day Zambia & Malawi Guided Safari
16 Day Safari - EURO 3,650 + USD 300 p.p.s.